Common Cosmetics May Pose Health Risk to Pregnant Women, Babies

Products women routinely apply to their skin and hair may be putting them and their babies at risk, according to a new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives. Led by scientists from Emory, Northeastern, and University of Michigan, the study found that chemicals called phenols and parabens may increase the risk of hypertension and high blood pressure during pregnancy and threaten the long-term health of mothers and babies. These chemicals are commonly used as UV filters in lotions, soaps, shampoos, and sunscreens as well as to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in cosmetics. “Our findings show these chemicals are associated with really adverse pregnancy outcomes and higher levels of these chemicals can lead to gestational hypertension and to women delivering their babies early and at lower birth weight,” says senior author Stephanie Eick, assistant professor of environmental health and epidemiology at Rollins School of Public Health.

 

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